Brodie

See also: brodie

English

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈbɹoʊdi/
• Homophone: Brody

Etymology 1

Scottish habitational surname of uncertain meaning. Probably of Pictish or Gaelic origin. Some of the suggestions that have been advanced as to the meaning of the name Brodie are:

• "ditch" or "mire", from the old Irish word broth;
• "muddy place", from the Gaelic word brothach;
• "a point", "a spot", or "level piece of land", from the Gaelic word Brodha;
• or originated from the Pict name Brude, Bruid or Bridei from King Bridei of the Picts.

Proper noun

Brodie

1. A surname from Scottish Gaelic.
2. A male given name transferred from the surname.
3. A hamlet in Moray council area, Scotland, the location of Brodie Castle (OS grid ref NH9757).

Alternative forms

• (male given name): Brody, Brodi
• (surname): Brodey

Derived terms

• Brodie knob
• Brodie's abscess

Etymology 2

Named after Steve Brodie (1861–1901), who made a disputed claim to have jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge and survived.

Noun

Brodie (plural Brodies)

1. (US, informal) A suicidal leap.
   • 1960, Martin M. Frank, Diary of a D.A., page 26:

     "We don't believe this bird took a Brodie," Bruckman told them. "He wouldn't know the meaning of remorse, and he's not the suicidal type. […]

2. (US, informal, figurative, by extension) A risky enterprise; a chance taken.
   • 1916, The American Photo Engraver, volume 9, page 536:

     August Marien took a brodie (any one is apt to) by getting married last month.

Usage notes

• Generally used in the phrase do a Brodie, pull a Brodie, or take a Brodie.

Alternative forms

• Brody

Anagrams

• beroid, bordei, boreid, boride, derbio